“We cannot allow economic status to affect a child's ability to learn and achieve,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Head Start is a terrific program that provides a leg up for children and has tremendous support within local communities.  Today’s bill will ensure the program can continue to educate Montana’s kids in the future.”

Head Start has provided comprehensive early childhood development services to low-income children since 1965. Services provided to preschool-aged children include child development, educational, health, nutritional, social and other activities, intended to prepare low-income children for entering kindergarten. The program is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Today, the House passed the Head Start for School Readiness Conference Report which was a House-Senate compromise version of legislation passed earlier this year.  The bill authorizes funding for the Head Start program for five years. 

“As a parent, I realize the importance of ensuring our kids are properly prepared for an early education,” said Rehberg.  “Head Start provides kids with the necessary tools to succeed in school.”

Montana’s Head Start agencies received more than $20 million in funding in 2007 and serves more than 2,000 students.